What Does Sidney's Commitment Mean?

Eric Bossi

02/24/2009

Landing Renardo Sidney is another feather in Tim Floyd's recruiting cap. But, what exactly does the big man's recent commitment mean to the Trojans and Sidney?

Sunday afternoon, Renardo Sidney made Tim Floyd and USC three for the last three years in reeling in one of Scout.com's top 10 prospects. But, what exactly does the 6-foot-10 big man from Fairfax being committed mean for the Trojans.

Obviously, Sidney should be considered a prize talent by any standard. He's got great size, is skilled and has put up numbers. But, there are also some question marks that come along with him.

In order to learn a little more about Sidney, SCPlaybook got in touch with a trio of recruiting experts in Scout.com's Dave Telep and Evan Daniels and PrepStars.com's Rob Harrington. These gentleman have had the opportunity to study the future Trojan since he burst onto the national scale as an 8th grader from Mississippi and offer some insight.

The youngest member of the group, Daniels sees a potential impact guy who needs to commit himself to staying in shape.

"This isn't new territory for the Trojans," said Daniels. "This is the third year in a row
USC has snagged a Top 10 player. Sidney will play right away, and if he gets and stays in shape he will have a major impact on Floyd's squad right away. He's got the size, skill and ability to have as good a freshman year as anyone."

Harrington tends to agree and even thinks that Sidney has the skill and ability to be argued as the top talent in the class of 2009. However, Floyd is going to have to help the young star make adjustments.

"I think Sidney will need time to adjust to college basketball in terms of preparation and temperament," said Harrington. "That said, by rights he probably should be the No. 1 player in the class, Tim Floyd has coached guys already who had reputations for being less coachable coming out of high school. If he works his magic again, Sidney could become a star as early as next season."

The head of basketball recruiting for Scout.com, Telep also sees the addition of Sidney as something to help Floyd sell his program. Once again, the Trojan boss is proving that he can land top talent and get them to the NBA. Something that is very important to today's young stars.

"It means the pipeline of pros just got replenished," said Telep by email. "Lots of guys say they can get you to the pros. Tim Floyd has done it (Marcus Fizer and Mayo cometo mind), lived it and now gets to sell it to recruits. A focused Sidney is a dangerous Sidney and it's been a while since he's been on the top of his game. Sounds like his senior year has been a good one so that's a promising sign. Really, it's up to him in terms of the impact he can make."

Of course, there is also the academic side of things. Sidney hasn't yet posted a standardized test score and there's the constant talk that he could end up in Europe.

For the most part, our experts don't see Europe as being a huge threat. At least not yet.

"I know he said he didn't consider it but until classes begin anything is possible," said Telep of Sidney and Europe. "Once you've seen enough in this game you learn to never say never."

Telep's co-worker at Scout.com, Daniels shares a similar view.

"The kid keeps saying that he wants to go to school," said Daniels. "Now obviously you can'tbelieve everything that is said by everyone, but he's been consistent in the
fact that he's said he wants to play in the U.S. With that said, he still hasn't taken his SAT yet, and if he doesn't qualify Europe would seem like an option."

Finally, whatever the future holds for Sidney. Harrington hopes that it's a future playing college ball. It won't just be benefecial to the Trojans, but beneficial to Sidney as well.

"It won't surprise me if a player or two chooses Europe," finished Harrington. "For his sake, though, I think he'll develop much more rapidly if he spends a year in school."